Software

The HD135 is a HTPC so Zalman added some software which might come in handy.

MediaBay & M.Play - Home Center are 2 applications which streamline the use of media with the remote control.



M.Play - Home Center enables the user to configure the remote control, fan speed, lcd screen and many more:



The front LCD has many functions, it can display a variety of data: today's date, Winamp data, Windows Media Player data, system data, user data, network data, fan speed, cpu usage and temperature, ... and you can even create your own text/images! Installation went without any problems, (the uninstall wasn't a problem either). Furthermore you can find the USB driver which is needed to get the software working, and there are PDF docs to help you configure your system.

Cooling

The Zalman HD135 has 2 fans. One is located at the bottom of the case and is used for removing the hot air from inside the case. It will create some general airflow, plus you are able to mount your HDD's close to this fan so they will run cooler.



We can find the second fan at the back of the removable top plate. It comes with an air duct which can be adjusted in height. If you turn the duct to the left it will be less high, or if you turn it the other way it will make the airduct come closer to your CPU heatsink. A second thing we can adjust is the position of this fan. On the picture you will see holes near the fan which can be used to fasten your screws. Because this fan can be put straight above your heatsink, it is of a very good use for your CPU cooling. Combined with the bottom fan it will give a nice flow of fresh air through your case.



A good thing about the front controller board inside the case is that we can power both fans with it. You will only lose one 4-pin molex power connector. Another thing I would like to mention is the fact that you are able to tune the fans speed to your needs with the software Zalman supplied with this case.



You can set a preferred fan speed, or you can let the software handle it for you. The software is able to auto adjust the fan speed if the CPU usage goes above a certain level, or if the temperature measured on one of the case sensors goes above a certain level.



As you can see on the above picture Zalman made air vents in this case. To be exact they made 4 of those. 2 are located near the HDD's (on each side 1), there is one located near the PSU (making it possible to cool your PSU with air from outside the case), and there is another one near your PCI/AGP cards (which will come in good use when u have a high end VGA card).